VOICE

VOICE

Bootie Bell ChewningBOO_TEE@msn.com

Last week we had a going away party for Miss Virginia Caressa Cameron. Well this week a different story. Our Miss Va. is now Miss America 2010 Caressa was crowned Saturday night on TLC In Las Vegas.. If anyone was outside Carolyn & Don’s, Angie, Abbie Drake’s, Melanie’s Or my house (a lot of other places) you would have thought a wild party was going on. With all the screaming,

laughing, crying & hollering going on. To say we were excited would be an understatement. Phones were ringing, facebook, instant message, Email all lit up. We were going crazy. Virginia has not had a Miss America since Nichole Johnson in 1999. So for all pageant people it is like winning the super bowl. Caressa is from Fredericksburg, & was Miss Arlington this past June when she won Miss Virginia. She won the talent prelim with her version of “Listen” from Dreamgirls. Fabulous voice. She is such a beautiful person both inside and out. We say she is the whole package. Virginia’s loss is Miss Americas gain. (she was Miss Va First)She will be an outstanding Miss America Virginia should be proud of her. I know we are. Congrats Caressa !!!!! We love you!!

Congratulations to Jason Mraz, winning two Grammy’s Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration.

I know Aunt Carol (Mraz) & Gerald Simmons as well as the whole family are proud of you. We are too! YOU ROCK!!!!

Happy Birthday wishes go out to Barry Wiseman, Amy Lee Whitaker, Paul Ribelin, Monty Williams, Bill Sttles, Amanda Stump, JoAnn Lonker, Brian Michael Carter, Herb Grant, Tina Workman, Bill Tyree, Dawn Blankebship, Tanya Santana , Macu Shepherd and Autumn Shepherd. Hope you all had or have a good one,

Congratulations to David & Donna Dickerson who just celebrated their 26th Anniversary. May you have many more together.

Anthony Foster has a new baby sister-Sara Kathryn Foster arrived Jan 17. Proud parents are David & Jessica , Grandparents are Wayne & Mary Foster. Congrats! to all.

Our Prayers and Sympathy goes out to the Family and Friends of Stella Rose Cranwell and Ray Wells. Ray was the former principal at William Byrd Jr. You all are in our thoughts.

Get well wishes and prayers go out to Becky Nunley (Springtree).Rosemary Sink, Barbara Payne. Tom Wolfe, Rod Goins and Michele Yeatts at Lewis Gale, as she puts it ‘Cancer Sucks’ and she wants to whip its butt. I think we all agree with that Michele. That’s why we Have Vinton’s Relay for Life Apr 16-17, We need more teams so everyone get one to

together and Call Suzanne Bell 343-0215. Let’s Do it again in 2010. We can, but we need your help.

Thank You to Carolyn and Don Williams they are my meals on wheels this week. They are special people. Love them Thank you to Donna Hogan, William Hogan and Jerry Hsu, my angels this time shoveling my driveway. I am so blessed with nice people looking out for me.

Been by the War Memorial Lately?? The Column are up and the Vinton /Roanoke County Veteran’s Monument is taking shape. What a wonderful site. Now we need to get the bricks sold and we still have naming opportunities for those with larger donations. Get excited we are. Please Help us by telling people about the monument. If you know others in North & South County remind them it’s for all Roanoke County to. Plus Names of the ones lost in the various wars. Give to Mary Beth Layman at the War Memorial. We are getting closer to our Vision becoming a reality, let’s get it done.

VOICE 03

WBHS swimmer

Kacy Edsall

ON THE COVER

Photo by Danny Cruff

116 S. Poplar Street - Suite 1Vinton, VA 24179

540-904-5836 - Office540-904-5838 - Fax

info@vintonvoice.comwww.vintonvoice.com

Chris Manning Publisher chris@vintonvoice.comDan Vance Editor-in-Chief dan@vintonvoice.comJacob Clifton Delivery/General info@vintonvoice.comBrian Manning Circulation Director brian@vintonvoice.com

EDITORIAL

COLUMNISTS

CONTRIBUTORS

Bootie Bell Chewning General Info BOO_TEE@msn.comErin DeLauder-Brooks Pharmacy askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.comMonica West Lifestyle news@vintonvoice.com

Danny Cruff Contributor dannycruffphotography@cox.netBarbara Dillon Contributor news@vintonvoice.comDerrick Palmer Special Contributor news@vintonvoice.comDanae Wensley Contributor news@vintonvoice.comTerrier Times Staff Contributors news@vintonvoice.com

The Vinton Voice accepts and encourages letters to the editor.

Letters must not exceed 400 words, must be signed and

accompany contact information of the writer for verification purposes. Send to editor@

vintonvoice.com with the subject line ‘Letter to the Editor.’

Copyright © 2010All rights reserved by Vinton Voice Newspapers

Choosing Bucknell....a first person account

by derrick palmer

•See ‘PALMER’ - page 14

“It’s an amazing feeling because I used to go out on Saturday with my friends and

imitate college players...”

Well, I made my verbal commitment to Bucknell last week. I was very excited because I’ve always wanted to play college football, and now my dream will become a reality in the near future. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to where I’m at right now, but it’s all been worth it.

It’s an amazing feeling because I used to go out on Saturday with my friends and imitate college players, and now I get the chance to be just that. All my life, I knew that playing football is what I loved to do. Throughout my years in the county rec league and I was lucky to have coaches that new a lot about football and that had actually been through the William Byrd program, so they sort of groomed me for what was ahead. Playing in middle school was a great experience, until my eighth grade year was cut short due to a broken ankle in the last game.

I learned a lot from that injury, I realized that everything I wanted to do could be over with in one split second. So I wanted to come back from that injury better than I ever was before. I think my sophomore year was really the year that made me realize that I could do this at the next level. I was on varsity as a freshman, but couldn’t really make in impact due to amount of upperclassmen on the team.

I then started every game of the year for a team that went 9-1 in the regular season, and played for the region championship. After that year I was determined to make a name for myself and I did just that. I had a huge junior year which really led to the beginning of College recruiting for me. This whole recruiting process was interesting and fun, I enjoyed every second. A few schools I was in contact with were Duke, Maryland, West Virginia, William and Mary, Old Dominion, Hampton, Middle Tennessee State, Princeton, Columbia and of course, Bucknell.

During the summer I attended many camps some of which were the university of Alabama and West Virginia University. I learned something new from every camp. It built me into a better player because I competed against some of the top players in the nation and held my own against them. My senior year was huge for me, it showed people that I wasn’t just a one year wonder and I could actually play a little. After the season ended I had a lot of decisions to make.

I narrowed my choices down to two, William and Mary and Bucknell. I chose the two because I could get a great education and compete at a high level in football. My official visit with Bucknell is what made my final decision easier. Bucknell had me listed as their number one recruit since day one, and they said they would give me the opportunity to compete for a starting spot as a freshman. I went to visit and there was a certain level of comfort there, which I felt instantly. I knew it was the perfect fit.

Bucknell also got a new coach recently from Rutgers. Coach Joe Susan seems really excited about turning the football program into national contenders. When I sat down and actually got to spend the weekend with the players they were all excited about next years season. Their positive attitude and outlook for the future was very promising for me, I

VOICE

JoANN CRIMMINS BOWLES, 52, of Vinton, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2010. Her last work was a tax preparer for H & R Block and she also worked at Sears Roebuck. She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Linda Crimmins and her grandparents. Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Michael R. Bowles; her mother, Dorothy Ann Borchin and her father, Patrick J. Crimmins, both of Roanoke; four brothers, Patrick Crimmins and wife, Kathy, of Rocky Mount, David Crimmins and wife, Missy, Danny Crimmins and wife, Becky and Sammy Jordan, all of Roanoke; four sisters, Mary Preston and husband, Jimmy, Christine Crimmins, Loretta Butta, all of Roanoke and Dorothy Small and husband, David, of Salem; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2010 from the Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Douglas Milliner officiating. Burial to follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends Tuesday, February 2, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to www.lotzfuneralhome.com.

RANDY PAUL SCOTT, 54, of Troutville, Va., passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. He was born on November 19, 1955, the son of the late Paul Dalton Scott and Betty Simmons Varndell. He was also preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Van C. and Edna Scott; and maternal grandparents, Brooks and Evelyn (Nannie) Davis. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife for over 35 years and a very special father and grandfather. Surviving are his wife, Janet Scott, of Troutville; daughter, Misty Scott Austin, of Goodview; son, Alan Paul Scott and his wife, Kim, of Roanoke; two grandchildren, Britany Scott and Cameron Scott; soon to be granddaughter, Sierra Faith Scott; two sisters, Wanda Deel and her husband, Steve, of Roanoke, and Terri Cooper and her husband, Butch, of Maine; brother, David Simmons and his wife, Jamie, of North Carolina; four nieces; one nephew; three aunts; and one uncle. Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010, at Lotz Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Elmer Clemons officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. The family received friends on Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Baptist Church, Catawba Road, Troutville, Va. 24175 in memory of Randy Paul Scott. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Vinton Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhome.com

ERNESTINE FRANCES SPANGLER STROUD, 89, of Roanoke, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Tuesday, January 26, 2010. Born on August 27, 1920, in Floyd County, she was a daughter to the late George C. and Bertha A. Bolt Spangler. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Clifton A. Stroud; sons, Mark D. Stroud and Curtis C. Stroud;

sisters, Margie Janney, Madie Stein, Martha Wilson, and Charlotte Spangler; and brothers, Hubert W. Spangler, Troy E. Spangler and Culver C. Spangler. She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn S. Mac Neill and husband, John, Margie E. Fisher and husband, Thomas; her sons, Gene M. Stroud and Lowell C. Stroud; also a dear daughter-in-law, Lyssa Stroud; five grandchildren, Wendy M. Mills and husband, Mark, Tiffany M. Abbondanza and husband, David, Travis J. Stroud and wife, Becky, Curtis D. Gearhart and wife, Elizabeth, and Sarah E. Gearhart; five great-grandchildren, Luke Bradley Mills, Hunter Mac Neill Mills, Jack Arthur Stroud, Savannah Madison Gearhart, and Isaac Harlan Abbondanza; several nieces and nephews; and many other loving relatives and friends. Ernestine was a graduate of the 1940 Class of Fleming High School and a senior member of “The Golden Kernels.” She meticulously ran the family business, Stroud Caulking Company, from her office in her home until the end of 2008. She was very active in the Gideon’s International for many years and had attended several church fellowships during her long life here in the Roanoke Valley, Salem Pentecostal Holiness Church, Roanoke Valley Cathedral of Praise, Parkway Wesleyan Church, and most recently for a few months before her illness, New Life Christian Ministries. Ernestine loved life and loved Jesus. She was always the eternal optimist, and a hard worker. She had more drive and determination than anyone in our family. She was always a strong rock for all of us and a mother who gave sacrificially to her children and grandchildren throughout all her life. She will be greatly missed, but we rejoice in her glorious home going. Visitation and a funeral service were conducted 4 p.m. on Friday, January 29, 2010, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel. The family will receive family and friends at the chapel from 2 p.m. until service time. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideon’s International. Arrangements by Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.

CECIL T. CRESS, 86, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, January 26, 2010. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II and had 40 years of service at Blue Stone. Surviving are his wife, Corraine Faye Cress, one sister, Julia Stinger of Bristol, VA, a nephew, Roger Phelps of West Virginia, and a dear friend, Jimmy Sapp & his family of Roanoke. Graveside funeral services were conducted 2:00 P.M. Friday, January 29, 2010

in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family received friends Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 2 to 4 P.M. at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel (982-2221).

04

Obituaries RUBY CHRISTINE JENKINS (KiKi) WILLIAMSON, 47, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Monday, January 18, 2010. Ruby worked for Avis Rental prior to her disability. Survivors include her daughter, Ashley Williams; mother and stepfather, Louise and Bill Musselman; her father and stepmother, Richard and Nancy Jenkins; grandchild, Aliyah Williams; two sisters, Lynn Parker, and Lisa Duff and husband, Brian; three nephews, Adam, Anthony, and David; and a niece, Rachel. A service celebrating Ruby’s life will be conducted 2 P.M. on Saturday, February 6, 2010, at the Clearbrook Baptist Church with the Rev. Olander English officiating. Burial to be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Va. 22312 or the Clearbrook Baptist Church Building Fund, 5219 Singing Hills Road, Roanoke, Va. 24014.

DONNA FAYE BREWER CONNER, age 40, of Vinton, Virginia passed away after a long battle with breast cancer on January 24, 2010 at the home of her mother in Radford, Virginia. She is survived by her mother, Bonnie Neal Brewer; her sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Tommy Huddleston of Salem, Virginia; her Uncle Tommy and Aunt Shirley and cousins

of Radford; and many uncles and aunts and cousins in Bristol, Virginia; her best friend, Yvonne Chandler and so many that have been close to Donna and her family.

Donna is preceded in death by her loving father, Paul Edward Brewer; her paternal grandfather, Arthur F. Brewer and grandmother, Nora Ethel Brewer; her maternal grandfather, Edward Shannon Neal and grandmother, Virginia Snow Neal.

She was born in Radford on April 12, 1969. Donna graduated from Pulaski County High School . She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Virgi nia Tech. She owned and operated a successful custom curtain, blind and window treatment business “Curtains, Etc.” established in 1995.

Donna was a member of the Parkway House of Prayer located in Vinton, Virginia. She was an active member and enjoyed church functions, ladies retreats and the church’s educational program, “Renewanation”.

She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid reader. Donna loved spending her time with family, friends and her beloved dog, “Gracie”. She was a social person and loved being a Christian first. Donna touched many lives with her sweet smile and infectious laughter that put people at ease. She leaves behind those who will always cherish her beautiful smile and good nature and her way of keeping peace.

In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests contributions go towards Renewanation and Susan G. Komen Race for the cure.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Parkway House of Prayer, 3230 King Street, NE, Roanoke, VA with Pastor Jeff Keaton officiating. Burial will follow in West View Cemetery in Radford at 3 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.

2010the voice of vinton...this year

and beyond

VOICE 05

Kudos to a job well done to the Town of Vinton for, once again, giving us amazingly clear streets in a very short amount of time. While you will see and hear people in surrounding areas talking about the problems they have with the conditions of the roads after inclement weather, that just doesn’t happen here in Vinton. I was actually driving through town when the snow started to really come down (around 4 am) and when passed through downtown, there were the trucks, ready to go. That kind of effort and hard work shows and doesn’t always get shown gratitude, but seeing it first hand and seeing it the very next day, I can tell you it happens quickly and it is done well.

It is a shame I had to miss Jake Mankin’s 1,000th career point, but I did get to hear it on the radio. I know I mentioned Jake in last week’s column, but 1,000 career points is a remarkable achievement and I couldn’t go without mentioning it this week.

We at the Voice haven’t met any Byrd athletes that we didn’t like and Jake is no exception.

Speaking of Byrd athletes, it was a pleasure to be the first media outlet that reported Derrick Palmer’s signing with Bucknell. Derrick has also given us an insight as to why and what his plans are for the future and we look forward to continuing to cover his career.

Don’t forget to head out to the Girls’ Basketball’s “Play for a Cure” night tonight at 6pm where the girls will take on Lord Botetourt in a huge district showdown. This, like so many other awareness events, should be a good time and is for a good cause. This will be the first Virginia High School League basketball game in the area to be played with a pink ball! All monies raised at the event will be donated to the Kay Yow WBCA Cancer Fund and all survivors in attendance will be recognized.

We’re very excited of this week’s cover with WBHS swimmer Kacy Edsall, photographed by Danny Cruff. Just in case you were wondering, yes, Danny was in the pool, underwater to take that picture. It is something that Danny and Dan planned for quite a long time and we wanted to do it at just the right time. With BRD swimming yesterday and Region III swimming next Saturday, we thought it would be just the right time to pull something like this out, we really hope you enjoyed it. The D&D combination of photography and design is literally second to none of any publication in the Roanoke Valley. I can and will say that and dare anyone to prove to me otherwise. Although we’re proud of each and every cover, there are some that are just our favorites and we’ve got another one of those coming up the first week of March that is already planned out, we hope you’ll enjoy it.

Speaking of things you like, don’t forget to send us….well….send us stuff. Pictures, ideas, letters, compliments, suggestions, whatever you want, just send them in to us. Yes, our email inboxes get overloaded with these, but we still read and try to use nearly everything that is sent to us, so please, keep on sendin ‘em.

No Parking on block of S.Pollard St.Beginning on Monday 1 February 2010, the east block of South Pollard

St. from East Lee Ave. to Washington Ave. will be posted as “No Parking Anytime”. The parking restriction is being made at the recommendation of the Town’s Highway Safety Commission, who reviewed this matter in detail at meetings in July and October 2009. The intersection of South Pollard St. and Lee Ave. is a point of congestion causing traffic backups to northbound traffic on South Pollard St. and to Lee Ave. traffic turning northbound onto South Pollard St. Also, safety concerns arose that emergency vehicles from the Town or City could be blocked or delayed while travelling through this intersection, thus posing a risk to public safety. Restricting parking at all times was determined to be the best solution along this block.

The Highway Safety Commission’s recommendation was presented to Vinton Town Council at its 1 December 2009 meeting. Council directed staff to seek input from affected businesses on South Pollard St. and some on Lee Ave. Response received to letters was minimal, with some expressing concerns about parking inconvenience from the proposed change. After careful deliberation, Council reached a final decision at its 19 January 2010 meeting to approve the Highway Safety Commission’s recommendation. In the final analysis, Town Council came down on the side of public safety, which it felt must take priority over any inconvenience that may result from this new parking restriction.

Motorists are requested to observe these public safety parking restrictions when they become effective on 1 February 2010. The Town recognizes that there will be some inconvenience to affected businesses and patrons. However, postal customers can use the post office parking lot and the Town has a 14-space municipal lot, just west of the post office; as well as the Farmer’s Market public parking lot with ample spaces available. All of these parking lots are within a short walking distance from business locations along South Pollard St. and East Lee Ave.

In Brief

Chris Manningchris@vintonvoice.com

VOICE06

For William Byrd High School English teacher, the profession is a family tradition that she has continued build on.

“My mom was a teacher and I used to go to her classroom after school everyday when I was growing up and that was why I became a teacher,” said Wakeland who is the English Department Chairperson and SAT prep teacher.

Wakeland has been at WBHS since 2002 because she was impressed by the student body, administration and the support of the community. She had previously been teaching at Cave Spring High School since 1998.

“I have two favorite things about teaching. Every hour can be different. I also enjoy when you see a student get it their facial expression changes and their eyes change, so when you see them truly understand it that is fun as well.” Wakeland said.

Wakeland personally finds herself not standing out any more than every other teacher at WBHS.

“I don’t think that I stand out as a teacher, personally,” she said. “I think that every teacher has his own style that makes them stand out. For me it is very methodical. I want students to know that I have high expectations and I do not want to let students down.”

She also has personal goals for her students and believes that a student’s attitude matters more than their aptitude.

“If you come in my classroom willing then I can teach you,” said Wakeland.

Wakeland surrounds herself with good friends that also happen to be teachers themselves.

“Most of my friends are teachers, so it is nice to have other people that know what you are going through being a teacher and that are like you,” said Wakeland.

She has also worked very hard to not let school overwhelm her at home, but she does finds herself constantly worrying about her students, whether it is academically or because of their home lives.

“She is a nice lady and she

actually cares. I have had her for homeroom for four years and she is taking us all to the Homeplace since this will be the last year that we will get to see her,” said senior Dorian Dozier.

What is her favorite thing about teaching?

“I find it fun and challenging to be able to get through to a kid who hates English and has never read a

book and then to also be able to get through to a kid who loves English and probably has already read what we are reading,” said Wakeland.

Wakeland not only teaches regular English classes, but also AP students.

“Teaching different classes is fun in different ways. With teaching AP students they have already developed good study habits and

have some prior knowledge. With other English classes it is a lot of fun to figure out how to help each student individually.”

Regardless of whether the student is or is not an AP student she still finds the most important goal that a student should have for themselves is to take accountability and fix anything that needs to be corrected.

“Just be accountable for your mistakes,” said Wakeland.

Regardless of the situation Wakeland is never afraid to speak her mind.

“I love how she always says what is on her mind and tells you how it is which is hilarious,” said junior Cynthia Stinnette.

How could someone find themselves not admiring someone who is constantly completely honest with them?

“My genuine opinion of Miss Wakeland is that she is a class act with a witty sense of humor, a sense of style and a no nonsense attitude,” said senior Aaron Lyles.

The first time assistant principal Otis Dowdy met Wakeland was at CSHS when she was a student teacher and he was a principal. Wakeland’s father and Dowdy were good friends, which had a lot to do with their relationship professionally and personally.

“It did not take long for me to know that she would be able to manage her classes in any situation, and that she would become a great teacher,” said Dowdy.

He even helped her gain practical experience by having her come by his office to discuss issues and give her the opportunity to figure out how to handle the situation.

Both Dowdy and Principal Dr. Richard Turner agree that she has the skills to be an effective administrator.

Turner is also close with Wakeland. He has known her for 12 years and used to teach with her mother at William Fleming High School.

“I love Miss Wakeland she is a good person, a good communicator and is very straight with people, which I like,” said Turner.

She has made quite an impression on not only the staff at WBHS, but also the students.

“In the beginning when I had her as a teacher I was not excited, but now I really enjoy her class and she is one of my favorite teachers,” said senior Loren Lilley.

Wakeland has over the years become a part of the Roanoke County community.

“I don’t think that people know that I chose to come to William Byrd. I am very proud to be here and be working with the students here,” said Wakeland.

Holly Wakeland’s No Nonsense Style Connects

Tiffany HodgesTerrier Times

VOICE 07

William Byrd High School’s Andrew Ferguson got an amazing opportunity to play in the Guns & Hoses hockey game at the Roanoke Civic Center on the evening of Saturday, January 23

This hockey game was sponsored to raise awareness and money to be donated toward Muscular Dystrophy. They raised $18,500 with more than 4,000 fans in attendance. This game was played by the police officers and firefighters in the local Roanoke area.

Ferguson was one of the teenagers who

had the chance to play against the local law enforcement. But, this wasn’t his first time playing hockey. Now a junior, Ferguson has been playing since fourth grade. Since he began playing hockey Ferguson has played for The Hoses, The Roanoke Express and the Charlotte Bears in the past seven years.

Ferguson started playing for hockey with a big influence from the older Roanoke Express team. In fact, he was influenced so much by the older team that he recommends it as a sport to fellow teens.

“It’s a great sport to play because it’s fun and it is a good workout,” said Ferguson.

Rodney Ferguson, Andrews father, had a big influence on him playing hockey and

supported him every step of the way.“My dad’s a firefighter, and he talked

to the guy that sets it up and told him that I played hockey, so he said ‘bring him out’,” said Ferguson.

Playing against police officers may be nerve racking for some people, but not for Ferguson.

“I wasn’t really nervous being a teenager in the game,” he said. “I went into the game not knowing what to expect as far as not knowing how fast they were going to be or how physical they were going to be. But once they threw the first hit it was game on.”

Ferguson has displayed the dedication needed to stick with hockey and his family and friends have supported him along the way.

“My family and friends are great, they travel out of town with me and come to pretty much every game,” Ferguson said.

Many different people prepare for sports in different ways. It may take some people a lot to get pumped for a big game but Ferguson is always excited.

“I listen to music to prepare for a game, because it gets my adrenaline going and gets me pumped,” said Ferguson.

Registration at William Byrd High School for the 2010-2011 school year is underway. However, this year’s choice of classes is limited compared to years past. Due to Roanoke County’s budget cuts, some classes will not be available next year.

“The county is cutting classes to focus and engage more on current course offerings and for budgetary reasons,” said Patrick Patterson, WBHS guidance coordinator.

Among the classes being cut in Roanoke County are “Creative

Writing, SAT Prep, Black and White Photography, Current Affairs and Psychology 2.”

There will also be a few changes in current classes.

“Driver’s Education will no longer be offered as a course, but be a part of Health 10. Psychology and Sociology will be combined into one course,” said Patterson.

Final decisions on what’s being offered at WBHS won’t be known until after registration and when the schedules are prepared for next year. Classes without enough students may be dropped.

Roanoke County is not the only county having budget cuts this year. All area school systems

are experiencing cuts, including Botetourt County, Salem, Bedford County, and Franklin County.

“The class cuts aren’t permanent,” Patterson said. These classes and others should eventually come back “when funding for public education becomes brighter.”

“Since I’m a senior, I’m really upset about students having to miss out on what we have enjoyed in the past,” said senior, Hanna Batiz. “It’s limiting to the students preparing for next year.”

Teachers are sad to see fewer class choices because there are fewer opportunities for students.

“It’s upsetting to me because

of the effect it has on the students,” said WBHS art teacher, Denise Underwood. “They’ll no longer have the opportunity to experience Black and White Photography, among other classes.”

“I’ll miss developing pictures and film,” said sophomore, Daniel Morris.

Some of these electives being cut will also limit career options for students “such as an inspiring Photojournalist,” said Underwood.

Difficult economic times are tough on everyone.

“Everybody’s needed. We need everyone to pull together during rough times, and look at the positive things,” Patterson said.

Ferguson Takes Ice with Firefighters

Sydney RansomTerrier Times

Fewer electives mean fewer opportunitiesKatie McGuireTerrier Times

The new and improved

VintonVoice.comthe voice is everywhere

check out our Web Features

• Breaking News (vintonvoice.com/blog)

• Interaction (Vinton Voice on Facebook)

• Quick and easy (Issuu.com/vintonvoice)

VOICE08

EverybodyReads the Voice

Any doubt that the Voice is Everywhere? During this last week, from The Pool at the Lancerlot to Orlando, Florida, it has been proven that even when you should posing for the Vinton Voice cover underwater (Kacy Edsall, right) or entertaining millions (Mickey Mouse, above...Everybody Reads the Voice.

Photo by Danny Cruff

Phot

o Su

bmitt

ed b

y Ed

Glo

ver

VOICE 09

Vinton HistoricalSociety

So you are wondering what the Vinton Historical Society is? Well, it was made up of a group of Vinton area citizens who were interested in getting together and collecting history of Vinton when we were going to celebrate the one hundredth anniversary of the Town of Vinton back in 1984. This group, along with the help of many people, and led by Irma Moseley and Mattie Simmons Forbes got together lots of information and published a book about Vinton. Copies are available at the Vinton Museum for $10 each. They are most interesting.

After the anniversary celebration the Historical Society remained on through the years under the leadership of its first president, Frances Coleman.

About 22 years ago one of the Upson daughters, Mrs. Williams, willed their hope place on the corner of Maple Street and Jackson Avenue to the Town of Vinton. The house was built in 1906 and the town published for requests for the use of the building. Several organizations applied for the use of the building but it was decided to let the Historical Society use it for a Museum. Vinton had no museum and no really good place to collect history for the Vinton areas.

The Society got together and many hard working people started cleaning up the building and collecting anything others would donate and before you knew it we had everything in place and opened the museum on Dogwood Parade Day in 1988. Although we have been open over 21 years there are still many people in Vinton who don’t know we exist.

One or two of our first and most interesting items that we have on display were a collection of arrow heads that were found in the garden just past the War Memorial and the Senior Class Pictures that were on the wall of William Byrd High School when it was on the hill across from the Vinton Mill and Garthright Bridge in Vinton.

We also have a lot of the old annuals from the first years of the Vinton High School.

If you are a person who is interested in collecting genealogy, history or anything of the past so our children will understand how it was, we would love for you to become a member of our society. We are always open for visitors at any of our meetings. Dues are $15 per year payable by June 1st of each year or a lifetime membership of $150 only once.

We try to collect any genealogy on any family who is willing to let us have a copy and also we like people who can be host or hostesses at the museum. All help at the museum is a volunteer and that is why we aren’t open everyday.

We have six regular meetings a year. We meet the third Tuesday of March, April, October and November at the Vinton War Memorial at 2 pm with very interesting programs. We usually have a pot luck luncheon in May and September and a special catered meal in December. This is just a special get together an no business meeting.

Present officers are Barbara Hargis, President; Mattie Forbes, Vice President; Doug Forbes, Treasurer; Barbara Dillon, Secretary.

You are invited to visit us at every meeting.

VOICE10

2010

the voice of vinton...this year and beyond

Visit uson the web:

•Facebook•Twitter•Issuu

issuu.com/vintonvoice

•Blogvintonvoice.com/blog

Another holiday is quickly creeping up! Valentines Day is about to be in full effect! Now I don’t call myself a pessimistic person in many ways but when never having had a boyfriend on Valentines Day we singles tend to get that way.

Most pessimistic people of Valentines Day call it a Hallmark holiday. Well not me. I get the meaning behind it all. My problem is all the cliché’s associated with February 14th. Red roses, heart shaped boxes of chocolate, and teddy bears just don’t do it for

me. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a sweet gesture and all but I’m a creative, impress me if you can type of girl. Needless to say it depends on the woman and the flavor that she loves.

To understand all the fuss of Valentines Day I got on the internet to see where exactly it came from. On www.historychannel.com I looked up Valentines Day

and started reading. Legends say that St. Valentine (who we have all heard of at one time or another that was the reason the whole day was formed) was a priest who served in Rome in the third century. Emperor Claudius II said that single men made better soldiers than ones that were family men. He then outlawed marriage for young men and their mates. Valentine however disagreed because he went behind Claudius’s back and continued to marry young lovers in secret. When Claudius found out he supposedly ordered him to death. Now we all have a favorite tale- that one is mine. A little more history would be that Pope Gelasius declared February 14th St. Valentines Day in the ballpark of 498 A.D. In the 1700’s Americans started to exchange homemade cards. Greeting Cards Association estimates 1 billion cards sent each year putting Valentines Day second to Christmas. Of those greeting cards 85% are sent from women.

So what should you plan for that special someone this year? Remember, it’s his valentines too.

Men tend to be very simple. Usually all they want is a little extra affection and consideration. Some like practical things like tools, work clothes, or a new shaving kit. Others would be tickled to death just to have a quiet night at home with his favorite meal and kick back with his lady over a glass of wine. Regardless of what you get for him more than likely he will be thrilled. One of the new ideas I’ve seen are the 7 days of love. Doing something each day to say I love you leading up to something to end in a bang on the 14th. Take him lunch one day, watch a dude movie with him, romantic card, or bake a favorite treat. The sky is the limit!

In return I hope your man thinks outside the box this year and gets you something you love. You never know he might actually even read the card he bought in a rush before he signs it! Or even take the 90 dollars he spent on roses last year and get you that household item you’ve been wanting. Instead of buying a box of chocolates at the local drug store maybe he will go to a pastry shop and get you some fresh chocolate covered strawberries. Whatever you receive on February 14th, remember it’s always the thought that counts. Be grateful to have that special someone feel about you the same way you feel about them. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Monica Westinfo@vintonvoice.com

Roses are red,violets are blue....

A Female Perspective

Roanoke Valley elementary school children are discovering that broccoli and brussel sprouts can be fun, thanks to a collaboration between Lewis-Gale Medical Center and Roanoke Children’s Theatre.

“Cooking It!” is an original musical play designed to teach children about healthy eating and lifestyle choices, and it debuted on Friday, January 29 to the entire student body of Herman L. Horn Elementary School in Vinton. The musical, which stars 5th graders from Herman L. Horn Elementary, will later be produced at other elementary schools throughout the Roanoke Valley. “What better way to communicate important messages about making smart lifestyle choices to young people?” says Nancy May, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations for HCA Southwest Virginia. May says that when Lewis-Gale Medical Center was contacted by Roanoke Children’s Theatre with the idea for the partnership, “we felt it was a great fit because it supported Lewis-Gale’s mission of making communities healthier.”

“Cooking It!” uses music, dance, puppets and an interactive format to engage students in the performance, which was directed by Roanoke Children’s Theatre artistic director Pat Wilhelms. “Our professional actors had great fun working with 5th graders at Herman L. Horn Elementary to bring this unique musical to life,” says Wilhelms.

“Cooking It!” was conceived by Roanoke Children’s Theatre’s Mary Best Bova and by local musician and nutritionist Laura Pole. For more about “Cooking It!” visit www.roanokechildrenstheatre.org.

‘Cooking It!’ makes it’s debut at Herman L. Horn Elementary

VOICE

Kacy Edsall:Outside practices help Byrd sophomore standout in a sea of swimmers

Kacy Edsall is not like the other swimmers on her team at William Byrd. If you were to stop by an average practice, you wouldn’t see Kacy; but you stopped by your average meet, you might be blown away by her.

A sophomore at WBHS, Edsall has been swimming since she was just eight years old after joining the Read Mountain Swim Club. At 11, she left that club and became a member of the CCA Marlins. The rest, as they say, is history.

“When I first started, it was going to just be a fun sport I did...and then swimming took off and I started doing better,” Edsall recounts of her origins of the sport, when she also took part in cheerleading, among other activities. “My coach told me ‘you could be good, you probably should make a decision,’ and thats when I chose swimming.”

In 2009, as just a freshman, Edsall placed in 5th in the 100 Free and 6th in the 100 Fly. Though it was a remarkable placement for a freshman in a still young Terrier program, it just set Edsall’s sights higher for the future.

“I was really excited last year about my performance in State. I want to do better and feel like that last year showed me what I could do and hopefully this year I will be able to improve,” Edsall said.

She has set the mark in some areas locally throughout this, her sophomore campaign. And she also knows that high school meets, where she gets to play around with some things for her bigger meets, will help her get to a couple of places she wants to go. Included in those are a meet at a high school in Irvine, California this summer in a facility with two 50-meter pools. Next year, she hopes to go to a Senior National Meet in Columbus, Ohio and is around one half second off her cut time for that meet.

What makes Edsall’s performances in her sophomore year even more remarkable is that, no, you won’t see her at the common Byrd practice. Instead, her practice time is usually taken up by her CCA Marlins team, a group that she practices with nearly year round, only breaking for a few weeks before the summer and then during the month of August.

A normal day for Edsall includes practice until 6:30pm, dinner, homework, a little rest and then back up at 4am to prepare for her morning practice.

It’s a sacrifice that both Edsall and her coaches understand. But for the strong team player inside Edsall, excitement comes just as much from the times she gets to practice with her William Byrd teammates and the progress that they can make together.

“They put a lot of trust in me and I trust them,” Edsall said. “I do show up at some practices to work on relay starts and stuff like that, especially now that we are getting ready to go into Districts and Regionals. Right now, we are like three seconds off our state cut in one of the relays.”

There is a bright future for Edsall, who plans to swim on the college level and hopefully in a Division I program. She has great steps to follow in her coaches at Byrd, Krista Martin and Kyndal Terrell, who both swam on the Division I level. Though, the educational aspect of it all doesn’t elude Edsall, who is equally quick to smile as she mentions her desire to go into pre-medicine, something that will keep that balance between practice and books ever important.

But that is the future and right now, Edsall knows her role and what she must do to make that stage in swimming and life. She gets better each passing stroke, making waves of her own in Roanoke and elsewhere whether she’s swimming as a Marlin or a Terrier. And in the end, she’s still just a kid having fun, never more evident than when she smiles joking about the family competition with her father, an NCAA referee.

“In our basement is a bunch of plaques and all of his stuff, so me and my sister have our own little wall and we try to compete and see if we can get as much stuff as he has,” she grins.

Still just a kid, making waves and doing it her own way.

Dan VanceEditor-in-Chief

VOICE

Photos by Danny Cruff (top) and Dan Vance (bottom)

TOP: Derrick Palmer chipped in nine points by driving to the basket in Friday’s loss to Northside.

BOTTOM: Senior Jake Mankin hit four of Byrd’s eight three-point shots in the loss.

It all came down to one shot on a semi-crowded afternoon last Friday. Off a set play, down by three after a frantic comeback, Byrd senior Will Trent took a shot from the corner near the home bench, seeing it rim out and leaving Byrd down 58-55 as time read 0:00.

“Its a set that we run that has two options to it,” noted coach Dave Culicerto. “They paid a lot of attention to Jake, they didn’t bite. They were smart enough not to fall for that, which took Jake out of the play and we got it to Will. Derrick [Palmer] made a good read.”

“Will is a good shooter,” he stressed.Trent provided a good boost for Byrd in a starting lineup that was

missing regular Michael Hammond. Trent hit Byrd’s first shot of the game and added a second three point basket later on for his six points.

Trent’s scores for deep were two of eight for Byrd, four more came from Jake Mankin, the area’s leading scorer, on his way to 30 points.

It was a couple of Mankin shots down the stretch in the fourth quarter that opened the door for Byrd in the game, and coupled with several key missed free throws on the Northside end, allowed Trent the opportunity to shoot for the tie.

“One of the big things is I think we shot the ball a whole lot better,” Culicerto said of the difference between the first meeting with Northside and this encounter. “We just played with a better focus this time than we did the time before.”

Part of the focus came in the form of Derrick Palmer, fresh off his Division I-AA football commitment, who scored nine points and helped keep control of the ball with Hammond, a key ball handler, in street clothes.

“They were playing off of Derrick, his man was the one assigned to dive inside and double team Jake and Derrick was aware of that,” Culicero said. “He’s just alert enough and got the ball going to the basket.”

Palmer, Mankin and Trent were joined in the Byrd scorebook by Scott Cole’s seven first half points and a three-pointer from Eric Pearson. Eric Slone chipped in seven rebounds while Mankin pulled down 18 boards of his own. Mankin’s total pushed him over an average of 10 rebounds per game this season letting him now average a double-double.

This comes on the same night that, with just over 6:30 to play in the second quarter, Mankin knocked down a shot in front of the Northside bench to surpass 1,000 career points. Reserved as he normally is, Mankin took a very brief time to hug his parents in acknowledgement of the accomplishment before getting back to the game.

“That was a big deal, but Jake handled it in a really humble way, he took his recognition and kept on playing,” Culicerto noted.

Mankin needed 11 points going into the game to reach 1,000.In the end however, it was those free throws that almost cost the

Vikings the game. While Byrd shot 9-for-12 from the line, Northside shot 9-of-18. Culicerto knows just how important those free throw situations have been and will become as Blue Ridge District Tournament play draws near.

“We’ve missed our fair share in key situations, we stress the importance of them everyday. Its just a matter of concentration and confidence,” Culicerto said.

Trent’s three as time expires rims out,

Byrd falls to VikesDan VanceEditor-in-Chief

12

VOICE 13

The William Byrd wrestling team suffered a loss at the hands of the Northside Vikings in their last regular season match. “Some of the guys wrestled ok and some of them didn’t wrestle very well” said Coach Reed Carpenter “it was kind of a broad range, some guys did really well, some did average and some didn’t do well at all.” Carpenter points to Travis Meador, wrestling at 152 and Zach Thurman at 215 as standouts for the match. Michael Crosswhite is now wrestling at 119, taking the place of Big Orange runner-up Zakk Moorman. Moorman was dismissed from the team for what Carpenter calls disciplinary measures, “he’s no longer a member of the team for this year” Carpenter said, hopefully leaving the door open for the rising senior next season.

Carpenter says the Terriers have a good chance in the Blue Ridge District, however he sees Staunton River as the early favorite. “It all depends on how we show up as a team, if everyone shows up we could do pretty well” says Carpenter “the whole district this year has been tough, it’s kind of up for grabs, but Staunton River has the best shot of winning the most weight classes, but it’s going to be a matter of who’s ready to go on that day.”

Northside is the host of the Blue Ridge District matches, the action will be taking place all day long.

Wrestlers fall to Northside in BRD prep

Photo by Danny Cruff

Seth Bass wraps his opponents up during last week’s meeting with Northside. The Terriers will see the Vikings again Saturday at the BRD Tournament.

It was a slow week for the WBHS Lady Terrier basketball team, only have one game this week. The ladies took on the Northside Lady Vikings who came into last Thurday’s contest with a 6-11 overall record. The first half couldn’t have been any more evenly matched as both teams scored 9 points in the first period and 8 in the second, going in to halftime tied at 17. Northside took a three point lead after the third and that’s when trouble started, “defensively we weren’t very good” said Coach Fran Recchia “our defensive rotations weren’t very good and our box outs weren’t very good.”

While hanging in through three, Northside added another 14 in the fourth, good enough for a final score of 45-37 in favor of the girls in gold and green.

“We were giving them two and three looks at the basket and they were getting wide open shots and they knocked them down” said

Recchia.Sammi Webster led the

way with 17 points on the night, followed by Emily Hanna with 8, Jessica Rhodes with 7 and Brittany Mattox with 3.

This week is a big one for the girls as they take on two big district rivals starting with Lord Botetourt on Wednesday. Along with being the “Play for a Cure” night, this is also the rubber match between the two historic ladies basketball powerhouses as Byrd won the game against the Lady Cavs in the Christmas Tournament and LB came out on top in the first district meeting earlier this year in Daleville.

Friday they take on Staunton River who is tearing through their opponents, currently with a 17-1 overall record and 5-0 in the Blue Ridge District, certainly making an impression in their first year.

Recchia knows the importance of this game and what it could mean for the postseason hopes of

her team “those are two big games for us, we need to go at least 1-1” she says “ideally it would be 2-0,

but to keep our region hopes alive, we need to at least split and I think the girls know that.”

Second half proves rough vs. Northside

Photo by Dan Vance

Brittany Mattox was held to just three total points on Thursday’s loss at Northside.

VOICE

The Terrier swim team came away with a split when they went against Lord Botetourt and James River. It was 1,2,3 across the board as the boys and girls finished in the middle, leaving the overall score in the middle. Combined scores were Lord Botetourt 173, Byrd 94 and James River 66. The girls were just behind LB 65 to 61 with James

River coming in with 44. The boys wasn’t as close as LB had 108 to Byrd’s 33 and James River’s 22.

Voice cover girl Kacy Edsall won both of her individual events, the 200 Free and 100 Back. The Girls 200 Medley Relay team (Heck, Rose, Edsall, Gerig) won their race, with Gerig also winning the 50 free. Coach Krista Martin

said it was tough losing to LB by only 4 points on the girls’ side, but had big hopes for Tuesday’s BRD meet (which was too late for publication) “hopefully we can step up and make up for it at Districts when we face them again” Martin said.

The Byrd coach is looking forward to Tuesday’s meet “I think

we have a really competitive line up for districts and I can’t wait to see the kids swim Tuesday” she said. Martin expects the hard work to pay off and expects to see some of the best swims of the year.

Next in line is the Region III swim meet which takes place Saturday the 13th at James Madison University, starting at 3pm.

WBHS swimmers split, get ready for Districts and Regions

knew for sure that they would do anything to be successful. The campus life also played a huge factor in me choosing Bucknell.

It has a beautiful campus with great facilities.

A Bucknell education is one of the best is the nation, that’s how I like to phrase it, but it really is. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies at such a great school. The community is really supportive of the school which makes it seem more like home. I can’t lie; the town of Lewisburg really does resemble Vinton, Virginia.

I have been truly blessed to have the success that I’ve had, but I couldn’t do it alone. My parents played a huge role in everything, from getting me to and from practice when I was unable to drive, to being the ones that made my highlight film and sent it out to schools to get my name out there, and I just want to thank them for that. It really helped having my number one supporters being the people leading my recruiting campaign.

I would also like to give a big thanks to the William Byrd Coaching staff, in every sport that I was lucky enough to be a part of. Every Coach brought something unique to the table and every sport enabled me to become a part of a new group and adapt to new people. I am grateful to have had such intelligent football coaches, who taught me what I needed to know about the game of football, and helped me realize what it took to make it to the next level.

Everything throughout my career seemed to fall in place, I met many different that could give me helpful hints about what it took to become a good player and ultimately showed me what it took to be a leader and start my own path. I couldn’t be more thankful to those who helped me throughout this whole process, especially my teachers. They are the ones that gave me the information and taught me, which allowed me to achieve things not only through athletics but also academically, which helped me get into such a prestigious school like Bucknell. I’d also like to thank the Vinton Voice for giving me such publicity and to help promote me.

•‘PALMER’continued from page 02

As first reported by the Vinton Voice, William Byrd senior Derrick Palmer has made his college choice.

BUCKNELL, in all caps, was the text message Palmer exchanged with the Voice just before 10 p.m. on Thursday night

The nations largest private liberal arts school is home to around 3,500 undergraduate students. The Bison football program is a member of Division I-AA and is deep in tradition, dating back as far as 1935 when they defeated the University of Miami in the very first Orange Bowl.

In 2009, Bucknell was 4-8, but ended their season with a win over Holy Cross, a team ranked nationally in I-AA.

“I couldn’t be more excited,” Palmer said. “I’ve wanted to play college football all my life and it just feels great to get the opportunity from such a great school.”

Palmer says that as a top recruit for the program, he will start out playing defensive back but that he may get the chance to play on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Just yesterday, January 27, it was announced that Joe Susan would take over head coaching duties for the Lewisburg, Pennsylvania school. He is the 26th coach at Bucknell since 1883 when the program started. He previously was on the staff at Bucknell and returns after, most recently, 8 years on the staff at Rutgers.

The Byrd quarterback, who also plays point guard on the basketball court and is expected to participate in either track or baseball in the spring, made his final choice in Bucknell over William and Mary. His commitment today is a verbal, but he plans to officially sign with Bucknell on National Signing Day, February 3.

Many remember Bucknell sports in the national spotlight in 2005 for upsetting Kansas in the mens basketball national tournament.

The Vinton Voice was the first media outlet anywhere to announce Derrick Palmer’s college choice. Make sure to check out the Vinton Voice on Facebook or at VintonVoice.com/blog for up to the minute and breaking news that affect the people of Vinton,

Derrick Palmer chooses Bucknell>Breaking report of story, first seen on Voice website Thursday, January 28

4,017 rushing yards (2nd)643 rushing attempts320 total points (2nd)

51 touchdowns650 passing yards

129 receiving yards

PALMER in BYRD history

14

VOICE 15

With the winter sports seasons winding down and heading towards post-season play, the final week of January partially belonged to senior Jake Mankin, who as described locally on the radio, hit from just about everywhere (1) in a three-point comeback loss to Northside. Early on in the game, the area’s leading scorer hit from deep to collect his 1,000th career point. Byrd coach Dave Culicerto was also happy with the heavy rebounding of Mankin and Eric Slone (2). Unusually following the varsity, the JV and sophomore guard Tyler Goodman (3) played the late game Friday against the Vikings.

Mid-week, the wrestlers followed up the Big Orange with a loss to Northside (4) in just their second home dual of the year. Even in a loss, coach Reed Carpenter felt that several wrestlers, including senior heavyweight Dustin Woods (5), wrestled well as they prepared for this weekend’s Blue Ridge District meet, which will be hosted by the Vikings.

The girls basketball team also found a familiar foe in Northside on Thursday night. Brittany Mattox (left, inbounding) was held to just three points and Lauren James (right) (6) had none as the Vikings took a tie score at halftime and outscored the Terriers by eight in the second half.

(2)

(6)

(5)

(3)

(4)

(1)

Photo by Danny CruffW

rest

ling

Phot

os b

y D

anny

Cru

ff

Photo by Dan Vance

Photo by Danny Cruff

Phot

o by

Dan

Van

ce

VOICE16

Danae WensleyTown of Vinton

If you are looking for a way to get involved in your community this new year, why not consider joining the Town of Vinton Planning Commission or the Board of Zoning Appeals.

There is currently one space open on the planning commission and we would love for you to join us. The planning commission is responsible for the preparation of plans, studies, surveys of existing conditions, trends of growth and probable future growth of a community, all of which is part of the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan determines how your Town will look and grow in the future, designating areas for various types of public and private development, such as residential, business, industrial, open space, recreation and public service.

The planning commission advises Town Council on plan implementation, including rezoning, special use permit requests and capital improvement projects. Per the planning commission’s recommendation, Town Council changes, adapts or creates new Town codes and policies. The commission reviews the plan at

least once every five years to ensure that it stays current.

Members of the planning commission must be Town residents. They are expected to attend the commission meetings, which take place at least once every two months, having read any needed material before the meeting.

Dave Jones has served on the planning commission for eleven years and became chairperson in 2009. He enjoys having a say in the future of our Town.

“You get to shape the future of your Town and see it flower;” Jones said. “I encourage anyone who is interested to apply and try it out.”

There is also space for an alternate on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA), meaning someone who will fill in for the regular members when they cannot be present,

The BZA is responsible for hearing requests for variance from the Town code. Those who appeal must have a documented hardship that makes it impossible to follow Town code without a variance of some kind.

Vinton resident Wes Nance served on the BZA for more than ten years before being elected to Town Council. He says the BZA is a wonderful way to give back to your Town, as

well as gain experience working with local and small town governments.

Anyone who wishes to apply for either the planning commission or the BZA may do so by contacting Town Clerk, Darleen Bailey at (540) 983-0607 or dbailey@vintonva.gov. The planning commission will vote for the best candidate. The BZA members will vote, then make a recommendation to Town Council, who will make the final decision. The chosen BZA alternate will then be appointed by the circuit court judge.

For more information regarding the planning commission, please contact chairperson Dave Jones at (540) 434-3621 ext 3004 or dave.jones@sscoop.com. For more information regarding the BZA, please contact chairperson Bob Benninger at (540) 853-5750 or robert.benninger@westernvawater.org.

For more information about the Town of Vinton and the programs we offer, please visit our website at www.vintonva.gov. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube by searching for “Vinton.”

VOICE 17

PHOTOS

A second heavy snowfall in Vinton this winter made things interesting again. From another successful road clean up in the Town of Vinton despite the heavy snowfall over early Saturday (1), through sleding (2) and other usually once-a-year winter activities. It also gave another crew a chance to clean up that driveway of the Voice’s own Bootie Bell Chewning. This time, Donna Hogan, William Hogan and Jerry Hsu gave it a crack so Bootie could get out and about (3). Out of school Monday for non-snow related reasons, many area children were able to get out to the special hours at Firehouse Skate ‘N Play. Meanwhile, the Voice’s Danny Cruff spent his Monday morning in the Lancerlot pool, holding his breath as photographed William Byrd swimmer Kacy Edsall for this week’s cover (4).

Before the snow came, Neely’s Accounting celebrated their ribbon cutting (5) for their brand new Vinton Office at 1028 Washington Avenue last Tuesday morning and the Byrd fans were out for the self promoted “Thug Night” (6) last Friday night for the Terriers game against Northside. Also last week, the columns were raised on the Veterans Memorial at the Vinton War Memorial, celebrated as a big step in the project by proud veterans like Henry Howell (7).

Photo by Danny Cruff

Phot

o by

Dan

ny C

ruff

Phot

o by

Dan

ny C

ruff

Phot

o by

Dan

ny C

ruff

Phot

o Su

bmitt

ed

Phot

o Su

bmitt

ed

Phot

o Su

bmitt

ed

Photo by Dan Vance

(5)

(6)

(3)

(1)

(5)

(7)

(2)

(4)

VOICE18

Model X5150 Lexmark

All in One printer, scanner, copier, and fax

Real good condition, comes with....software

for windows and macintosh, owners

manual, two extra black ink cartridges, one

extra color cartridge, power cable. USB cable

not furnished. asking $75.00...call Fred at

(540) 353-6268

classifieds

Reserve Your Spot Today– it’s easy!Reach the Vinton Voice by phone at 540.904.5836 By fax at 540.904.5838Or via e-mail at info@vintonvoice.com

Vinton, Bonsack, Mt.Pleasant

MARKET

PETSSweet Cat

Needs a good home.Call 540-427-4466

ACTIVITIESPinochole Players

Call Pete at540-345-3342

CEMETERY

For Sale, 4 cemetery plots in Cedar Lawn

Memorial Park. Retail at $1400 a piece, will sell

all 4 for $2900.Call 540-589-3936

FOR SALEMedela breast pump “in style breast pump”

- includes speed control.

Professional performance for today’s active

mothers.Breast pump and

accessories included. Still in box.

model # 57010$100.00

Call 345-9369

CLOTHING

Wedding DressSize 8, never worn wedding dress with matching flower girl

dress, slip, veil and sash. $500.

Call 540-910-1203

Professional and/orBusiness space

available,approx 400 sq. ft. 116 S. Poplar St.

Woodland Square,off of Washington Ave. Next door to the Vinton

Voice news office.For information,

please call 580 4675

RENTALS

BUSINESS

FOR SALEMatching lounge

and chair – both for $1000. Almost like

brand new!Call 540-427-4466

Carpet Re-Stretching and Repair

540-776-9591

SERVICES

CARPET

DRIVER

DRIVER SIDE REHABEnrolling new drivers 36-period class runs 1/12/10-2/22/10M/Tu/Th 4-5:45pm

BTW avail by appt. Call now 981-1665

Vinton Chamber of Commerce

has moved offices and is looking for

the following things, including:

Desk, Desk chair, Desk accessories, Desk

lamps or pole lamp, stand for printer

NEW location: 116 S.Poplar St., Suite 1A –

Vinton, VA 24179Call: 540-343-1364

WANTED

LOSTContinuous

medical monitorCall Cindy at

540-890-0874540-309-7704

REWARD

Worktop side doors and fiberglass

coversAnd guess what,The Price is Right,

A+ Price is Right Auto Parts & Supplies

441 Walnut Ave. Vinton982-8777

German Sofa Large, chocolate brown

and orange.Couch is very

extravagant and needs a home in a lavish setting

with other antiquesCall 540-354-8289

Ask t

heP

ha

rma

cist

Erin DeLauder-Brooks, Pharm.D., MBAAskThePharmacist@vintonvoice.com

It’s not too late to get the H1N1 flu vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the H1N1 strain of the flu virus (commonly known as the swine flu). Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are the same as the seasonal flu and include fever, sore throat, cough, chills, body aches, sneezing, tiredness, and chills. Ask your pharmacist if

the H1N1 flu shot is right for you! If you have any severe allergies, are allergic to eggs, have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or are ill, talk to your pharmacist or physician before getting the H1N1 flu shot. The H1N1 flu shot is a dead form of the virus, so you can’t develop a case of the H1N1 flu by receiving a vaccine. You may have some soreness, swelling, or redness around the injection site. You might also develop aches, fever, or a cough which usually only lasts for 1 or 2 days. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call your local Walgreens pharmacy.

Dr. Erin DeLauder-Brooks is the pharmacy manager of the new Walgreens on Franklin Rd. If you have any pharmacy related questions, feel free to ask her at askthepharmacist@vintonvoice.com.

VOICE 19

VOICE